Thursday, October 3, 2013

Fraud Warning

If you're one of the "lucky ones" who's managed to get through to an Exchange and receive a quote, but then opt to *not* buy a plan, be forewarned:

A gentleman started the process, saw how much his new "affordable care: would be, and decided to take a pass. And then:

"I received an email tonight at 5:00 P.M. informing me that my fine would be $4,037 and could be attached to my yearly income tax return. Then you make it to the REPERCUSSIONS PORTION for non-payment of yearly fine. First, your drivers license will be suspended until paid, and if you go 24 consecutive months with Non-Payment and you happen to be a home owner, you will have a federal tax lien placed on your home. You can agree to give your bank information so that they can easy Automatically withdraw your penalties weekly, bi-weekly or monthly!"

What he's describing is a "phishing scam;" the actual Exchanges don't work like that. It's likely that his computer (and personal information (including his Social Security number) has been compromised.

Be very careful to keep your anti-virus and spam-ware programs up to date. Don't be a victim.